Celebrating 15 years of itrek
15 years of impact,
15 Impact Grants
How will you turn $4,000 into big impact in your community?
itrek Alumni — we’re funding 15 of you to expand the conversation about Israel in the spaces you already lead. Applications open until August 07th, 2026.
We are looking for bold, strategic ideas that expand who is in the conversation and how Israel and the region are understood. This is your opportunity to leverage your role, networks, and leadership to create meaningful engagement that would not happen otherwise.
We are interested in projects that:
- Engage high-impact audiences who are not consistently participating in Israel-focused programming
- Reach those in positions to lead and inform conversations
- Create the foundation for ongoing relationships or partnerships
- Expand how Israel and the current conflict are understood beyond headlines
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About the program
15 years. 15 grants. One exciting year ahead.
This year marks itrek’s 15th anniversary of bringing rising leaders to Israel. To celebrate, we are granting 15 Alumni up to $4,000 each to bring conversations about Israel — in all its complexity and beauty — into the spaces you already lead.
Connections
Network amplification
A grant of up to $4,000
Direct funding for your project — reimbursed via ACH or PayPal as you spend.
Strategic guidance
What selected alumni receive
More than money.
A platform.
Each Impact Grants recipient gets the strategic guidance, connections, and recognition that turn an idea into traction.
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Idea 04
Cultural Exchanges
Partner with a local arts institution to showcase Israeli film, music, food, or design that spark a conversation about Israel and its lived realities .
Idea 05
Pilot Collaborations
Facilitate a pilot partnership between your organization and an Israeli company.
Idea 06
Build Your Own
Have a different idea entirely? Propose your own project. We are looking for the bold ones.
Idea 01
Regional Briefings
Host an in-person or online event with an expert providing a briefing and open conversation on Israel and the region.
Idea 02
Curated Conversations
Organize a curated dinner featuring a founder, policymaker or thought leader representing one of Israel’s diverse communities.
Idea 03
Sector Bridges
Bring Israeli climate, health, AI, or cybersecurity companies into conversation with corporate or civic stakeholders.
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Project opportunities
Five directions. Endless possibilities.
A few starting points for what an Impact Grants project can look like — pick one, remix two, or design your own.
Participant | Georgetown Law 2023
Sparked conversation about Israel's history and future with young professionals in Ghana.
Participant | Harvard Policy 2017
Created peace-building between Indonesians and Israelis through social media and partnerships.
Participant | Mannheim Business 2023
Introduced Israeli innovation and entrepreneurship to university students in Germany.
Participant | Georgetown MBA 2019
Introduced MBA students to Israel's history through culinary dishes and stories.
Participant | HKS Policy 2023
Used social media to introduce Argentine youth to Israel's and its story
Leader | Penn Business 2023
Introduced Wharton MBA students to the entrepreneurial excellence of Israel.
Leader | Baruch Business 2018
Introduced nuanced perspectives on Israel to a major tech company.
Leader | Columbia Policy 2022
Amplified testimony of Lishay Lavi Moran, October 7th survivor and wife of Omri Miran, held captive by Hamas.
Leader | HKS Policy 2024
Organized nuanced dialogue about Israel's future on Harvard's campus.
Leader | King's College Law 2023
Brought Israeli speakers to inform young professionals in the U.K. about the Israel-Hamas War.
Participant | Stanford Law 2019
Inspired Brazilian law students with stories of Israeli entrepreneurship and innovation.
Participant | Harvard Policy 2021
Introduced Israeli irrigation technology to the Philippines.
Leader | LBS Business 2021
Helped audiences worldwide better understand the horrors of October 7th through a video campaign.
Leader | Harvard Policy 2022, 2023
Strengthened cooperation on climate change between Israelis, Palestinians and other countries in the region.
Leader | Johns Hopkins Policy 2017
Mobilized professionals in Portland, Oregon for the first and largest pro-Israel rally in the state since
October 7.
Participant | Wharton 2019
Introduced Israel to young professionals through Israeli cuisine and film on shared family values.
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Past grantees
Get inspired. Then add your unique idea.
Alumni from Ghana to Argentina, Wharton to King’s College, have used itrek grants to introduce their networks to Israel through food, film, policy, climate, and more.
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How it works
From idea to impact.
Four steps stand between your idea and a funded, supported project. We move fast — and we’re with you the whole way.
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Apply
Submit your application by August 07th, 2026 — your idea, audience, plan, and the budget you’re requesting (between $500 and $4,000).
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Review
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Approval & Kickoff
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Run & Reflect
itrek Alumni Leaders and Alumni Participants from Graduate Israel Treks and Launchpad Israel Treks.
Requests can range from $500 to $4,000.
Funds are issued as reimbursements following proof of receipts/payment. You can request 50% of your funds at the start of the project, and the remaining 50% after project completion. Reimbursements are processed via ACH (U.S. applications) or PayPal. If your country does not have PayPal, please clarify within your application.
You have three months from your approval date to start using your grant funding. If you need an extension, let’s talk.
Applications are reviewed and considered based on the project’s goal and level of proposed impact. Applicants will hear back from itrek within three weeks of applying.
itrek, a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based nonprofit organization, provides the funding. itrek is supported by a broad base of foundations and individuals, including more than 400 former itrek Leaders. None of itrek’s funding comes from any government (including Israel’s).
There is no requirement to do so, but you are welcome to acknowledge itrek through your work.
Travel to self-organized meetings; salaries; tuition; transport or accommodation not directly connected to the grant; direct funding of other organizations; services rendered to yourself or close family; legal work; and any activity that attempts to influence legislation or elections. Email carina.romanov@itrek.org if you are unsure.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know — from logistics to Shabbat to roommates.
Empowering leaders to engage their networks in meaningful Israel experiences.
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